u/ConureCultist

Hi everyone, I am an incoming member of Princeton University's Class of 2030. As someone who is extremely interested in nuclear energy (particularly fuel systems, fusion, and reactor design), I was wondering if anyone has any advice on major selection. I'll list some of my options, with the pros and cons I can think of for each.

Chemical and Biological Engineering (BSE)

• Pros
  • I've always really enjoyed chemistry, definitely been my strongest subject
  • Applications to fuel
  • Research collaborates with the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab
• Cons
  • The biological engineering component is unnecessary, although I believe only one required course is specifically biology (molecular biology)

Physics (BA, I am currently beginning as a BSE student, but I could switch to an AB if I messaged the dean)

• Pros
  • Princeton has one of the best physics programs in the world
  • Highly applicable to nuclear physics and reactor design
  • I love the derivations!
  • Connection to Princeton Plasma Physics Lab
• Cons
  • Requires a graduate degree for most positions
  • Comes with greater core curriculum requirements (Arts, Language, etc) because it is an AB

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Pros
  • Highly applicable no matter what aspect of nuclear I end up in
  • Greater hands-on experiences
• Cons
  • Coming a public high school, I have little to no experience with real mechanical engineering or robotics
  • Princeton has a largely theoretical approach that may not amplify my experience in this major as it would in others

So yeah, I'd appreciate greatly any feedback I can get! Don't be afraid to point out anything I'm missing about a major, or if my current points conflict with your experiences in college!